EMERGING Merbein all-rounder Angus Smith is backing his side to get across the line for their first win of the SCA First Division season.
The Magpies require 32 runs for victory with five wickets in hand to earn the points against Mildura Settlers at Chaffey Park.
The off-spinner, who was named in the SCA Team of the Year last season, played his role as opening bowler to perfection for the Magpies last week, taking 3/49 from 20 overs, more than twice as many overs as any of his teammates.
After helping dismiss Settlers for 124 from 51 overs, Smith made a quickfire 50 from 45 deliveries, including seven boundaries, as the Magpies finished the day at 5/93.
It was a handy day for the youngster, who is unavailable for this week due to a testing day for Bendigo Pioneers football.
“It was a game we felt we had a good chance of being able to win coming in and our first day went pretty well,” Smith said.
“It was a a pretty good day for me. I was only going to be available for the first week as I have Pioneers testing this weekend so I wanted to make an impact.
“I’ve felt my bowling has been pretty good, my batting not so much, but that 50 on the weekend has definitely helped the confidence a bit more.
“We’re improving each week and getting closer to that win.”
The 17-year-old is part of an emerging core of young players in Merbein’s First Division side, alongside vice-captain Dillon Furze, Kurtis Fitzpatrick, Sam Longeri and Ethan Walder, among others.
“There’s a lot of good people to be around (in First Division), a lot of young guys which is nice for me,” he said.
“I think there’s four of us from our under-16 premiership-winning side a couple of years ago playing together, which is cool.”
It would not be an easy task being a young spin bowler playing at the top level in the district, but Smith said he enjoyed the challenge.
“It can be pretty daunting, it only takes one bad ball to be punished, but you just have to be as confident as you can and not drop your head if things don’t work how you want,” he said.
“Normally I’m just aiming towards the stumps, I keep it pretty simple.”
The match between Merbein and Mildura Settlers resumes 1pm Saturday at Chaffey Park.
